Automatic softener valve



March 1941; G. DANIELS AUTOMATIC sommmn VALVE Filed April 26,, 1937March 18, 1941. L. s. DANIELS AUTOMATIC SOFTENER VALVE] Filed April 26,1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 a 8 8 3 1 4v 8 8/ IT" |L Z w A m m a J W 4 :9 I 29 W March 18, 1941. DANIELS 2,235,287

I wrong-n10 SOFTENER VALVE Filed April 26, 19:57

B Sheets-Sheet 'MarchlS, 1941. MM -L 2,235,287

AUTOMATIC SOFTENER VALVE Filed April 26. 1957 s sheets-sheet 4 1&3

Filed April 26, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 L. G. DANIELSAUTOMATIC SOFI'ENER VALVE Filed April 26, 1937 March'18, 1941.

March 18, 1941. L. e. DANIELS AUTOMATIC SOFTENER VALVE I Filed April 26,1937 8 Sheets-Sheet .7

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Patented Mar. 18 1941 v t UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATICsor'rENEn VALVE Lee G. Daniels, Rockford, 111. Application epiilzs,1937, Serial No. 138,948 22 Claims. (Cl.137-139) This invention relatesto valves, and more par Fig. 12 is a section through the brine levelconticularly to motor operated valves for zeolite trol mechanism; watersofteners and to means for controlling the Fig. 13 is a wiring diagramshowing the valve same to perform the steps of regeneration. controlmechanism;

An important object of the invention is to pro- Fig. 14 is a section onthe line' "-44 of Fig. vide an improved motor operated valve.

A further object is the provision of improved Fig. 15 is a section onthe line l5--l5 of Fi means for driving a'multi-ported-valva through 13'its cycle of operations. Fig. '16 is a section through a modified formof A further object is 'the provision of improved motor operated valveembodyi my ve o means for actuating a valve of the type wherein Fig. 17is a view on the line II-l'l of Figa rotor member is unseated, turnedand re- Fig. 18 is a fragmentary section show ng e seated, and forreleasing and applying seating driving mechan s for the Geneva movement;pressure thereto. Fig. 19 is an elevation of the motor operated Afurtherobject is the provision of improved valve shown in Fig. 16 showineal means for actuating a multiple port type valve me ns for resettingthe meter; wherein a valve rotor member is unseated from 20 is n el v nf a p r n of the valve' its normal operating position, unlocked so as tocontrol mechanism showing electrical means for be free for rotarymovement, indexed or moved rt etting the meter; rotatably to its nextposition, locked to prevent 21 s a Section 011 t line 2|2| of Fig; 20rotation, and then reseated and held under pressure in this operatingposition, the valve mem- 22 '1 a wiring dia of t difi ati her beinglocked against rotation in this op- Shown in Figs- 16 t 1; eratingposition. Fig. 23 is a section through a further modified I havealso'aimed to provide an improved moferm- Of motor Operated Valveembodying y tor operated valve having improved means for Ventien; Y

controlling the valve through a cycle of opera- 24 i a Section n e e oFi tions. I have further aimed to provide a zeolite water softenerhaving improved valve seat struc- 5 is a View on the line 25-25 of Fture to prevent leakage between ports and imand proved means forcontrolling the valve to inter- 6 i a a ntary s ct f th v lv mittentlymove the same through a regenera- Seat Structure used i tion andsoftening cycle. The valve of the present invention is adapted Otherobjects and advantages will be apparent for mllltiplieity of uses asWill be pp t to to those skilled in the art from the following se sklled in the art, ,but h herein e description and the accompanyingdrawings, n shown and described as used in the control of which I theflow ina zeolite water softener, such showing Figure 1 is a. sectionthro h a motor Qperated being by way of illustration and not limitation.valve embodying y invention; c The invention also contemplates a controlsys- Fig, 2 is a, i on th line z -.2 f Figure tom for the valve toconduct the steps of re- Fig 3 is a View on the line of Figure 1;generation of a zeollte softener and the return Fig. 4 is a view on theline 44 of Figure 1; to softgmng' with the supporting portion of thecasing cut to 15 I have shown of away to Show the gear train. theinvention adapted for use with a zeo to or m 5 through 8 ar devlo edView f th base exchange water softener. In Figure 1 the mm rx'lechanismsh th p t s o i e numeral 3! designates the body or stator member g 8 5m var ous ofthe valve, the numeral 32 designates the rotor F i g g is iat ii omfe sfi' body member g or f the g g 33 f i 7 na es eva ve ousng orcovenan enum showing diagrammatically the connection of a 34 designatesthe stem by which the rotor water softener therewith; plate member ofthe valve is raised and indexed 0 i a p v w f h v lve r tor m betweenits various positions, the valve herein shown being adapted for use withthe stem. in

Fig. 11 is a section on the line 11- of Fig. horizontal position. Thvalve body 3| has a plurality of ports destortion of the main body ofthe gasket.

ignated by the numerals 35 to 42, respectively, (Fig. 9) extendingthrough the face of the body. Means are provided for sealing thejunction between the rotor and body members at each of the portscomprising a sleeve 43, in this instance. threaded into theport andprojecting above the face of the body member. Encircling the sleeve 43is a rubber or other resilient gasket 44 projecting slightly above theupper edge of the sleeve as shown in Figure 1 to provide seats for therotor member. The gasket is in turn encircled by a retaining member 45to prevent dis- The ports 35 and 48 and the ports 38 and H areinterconnected within the body of the valve as shown in Fig. 9.

The stem plate or rotor member 32 has a central port 46 forcommunication between the port 39 and the valve chamber formed by thecover 33. The stem plate also has a port 41 for registration withcertain of the stator ports, ports 48 and 49 interconnected by a channel5| and ports 52 and 53 interconnected by a channel 54 (Fig. 11) in whichare positioned injector tubes 55 communicating with the valve chamber.

The cover 33 isattached to the stator or body member by means of capscrews 56 spaced around the valve, a gasket 51 being interposed betweenthe cover and body to prevent leakage. A stufling box 58 is positionedon the face of the cover 33 to prevent leakage along the stem 34. Innerand outer concentric sleeves 59 and 6| are carried on one face of thecover 33, the outer end of the sleeve 6| terminating in a housing 62enclosing valve actuating mechanism. A driving motor 63 carried on thevalve structure is operatively associated with a gear casing 64 throughwhich a shaft 65 is driven, the shaft carrying a pinion 66 meshing withannular teeth on a gear 61, which gear has a hub 68 interposed betweensleeves 59 and BI and is supported for rotation on a bearing 69.Attached to the gear 61 is an annular cam carrier 1| presently to bedescribed. A cam disk 12 is fixedly attached to the upper end of theinner sleeve 59, and on its face has an annular race 13 adapted'toretain a transverse end 14 of a valve actuating lever 15, which leverhas an opening 16 for the reception of the valve stem 34. The lever andstem are retained within defined limits by a pin 11 which passes throughlever openings 18 of a nature such as to permit lost motion movement ofthe lever 15, as will be apparent from Figure 1. The race 13 is providedwith slots 19 to permit the free end of the lever 15 to be depressedbelow the level of the race (see Fig. 3). A spring 8| tends to urge thelever 15 into the position shown in Figure 1.

Cam surfaces are provided on the gear 61, cam carrier 1| and cam disk 12for the purpose of raising the stem 34 to lift the rotor 32 free of itsseat. index the rotor to the next succeeding position, and reseat therotor in such position upon each period of operation of the motor, thegear 61 being driven through one complete revolution, plus the degree ofrotor movement, in accomplishingthis indexing of the valve. This willbest be perceived from an examination of Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive. Fig. 5represents the normal service position of the valve. In this positionthe rotor is held against the port gaskets 44 by means of the lever 15acting through a cam 82 carried on bolts 83 adjacent the periphery ofthe gear 61, the cam being urged downward by means of springs 84. Whenthe motor 63 .starts, the gear 61 is rotated to the left facing F185. 5t0 8,, while the cam disk 12 remains stationary. During the I initialpart of this movement the cam 82 is moved off the free end of the lever15. The gear 61 continues to rotate until a cam carried thereon movesunder the free end of the lever 15 forcing the lever upward out of anotch 86 in the stationary cam disk I2, which notch, together withnotches 81 and 88,. define the closed positions of the valve.Simultaneously with the engagement of the cam 85 with the lever 15, aroller 89 carried on an arm 9I attached to the stem plate 94 adjacentits upper end is engaged by a cam 92 on the upper side of the camcarrier 1|, the cam 92 lifting the stem 34 and rotor 32 until the rotoris free of the portgaskets. As the end of the lever 15 reaches theremote face of the cam 85, it is moved beyond the remote surface of astationary cam 93 on the cam disk 12 and is moved therealong by rotationof the gear 61 and by contact with a shoulder 94 on the cam 85. Uponcontinued rotation of the gear 61 the end of the lever 15 is moved freeof the shoulder 94. by the sloping portion 95 of the cam 93, as bestshown in Fig. 7, and thereupon the gear moves a short distance withoutcorresponding movement of the lever 15 until a pin 98 engages the end ofthe lever 15, the pin 96 being fixedly carried on the cam carrier 1|.The pin 96 moves the lever 15 until the end of the lever drops into thenotch 89, as shown in Fig. 8, thus completing the indexing of the valvestem and rotor to the next succeeding angular position. Continuedrotation of the gear 61 brings a cam 91 into contact with the end of thelever 15 forcing tne end of the lever downward into the notch 88 andguiding the lever under the spring pressed cam 82, thus bringing thelever and cam into the relative position shown in Fig. 5, through whichoperations the rotor is moved into seated position against the portgaskets 44 and sufficient pressure applied thereto to properly seal theports. During the seating of the valve, a cam 92a restrains downwardmovement of the roller 89 cooperating with the cam 91 to control thereseating of the roller. I Where the valve is intended for use with thestem in a vertical position, the cams 92 and 92a may be joined toprevent accidental dropping of the arm 9| and the rotor of its ownweight where friction is insumcient to prevent this from occurring.Successive valve operations occur in like manner, the end of the lever15 being lifted out of one notch and conveyed to the next succeedingnotch in a similar manner in response to operation of the motor 63.

In Figs. 9 to 15 I have shown the control mechanism for the valve, inthis instance arranged for use with a zeolite or base exchange watersoftener, though it will be understood that by modifications in theconstruction in accordance with and carrying forward the teachingsherein disclosed, the control mechanism may equally be utilized forfilters and liquid distributors. In Fig. 9 the numera1 98 designates thesoftening tank of a conventional zeolite softener.

the numeral 99 a brine tank thereof, the numeral IN a water line leadingfrom the valve to the softener, the numeral I02 a conduit for soft waterflowing from the softener to the valve, and

.the numeral I83 a line leading from the brine tank to the valve. Theport 39 is connected to a source of hard water supply, and the ports 36and 38 to drain and to service in accordance wtih conventional practice.

Positioned in the brine tank 99 is a brine level control designatedgenerally by the numeral I84 and shown in greater detail in Fig. 12.This consists of a tube I05 suspended in the brine tank and serving asa'guide for a float I06 carried on a. rod I01 attached to a lever I08 ina. switch chamber I09, the lever being articulated at III betweenswitches I12 and H3 arranged to be actuated by cams H4 and H5 on thelever in such manner that one of the switches will be actuated when thefloat reaches the upward limit of its level and the otherswitch will beactuated when the float reaches its lower limit. A spring I I6cooperates with the lever I08 to counterbalance in part the weight ofthe float. The rod I01 passes through a diaphragm or plate II1separating the switch chamber I09 from the float chamber within the'tubeI05. Actuation of the switches I I2- and H3 serves to limit thewithdrawal of brine from the brinetank and the subsequent entry of waterthrough th salt bed to replace the brine withdrawn.

Positioned in the brine line I03 is a motor operated valve and contactmechanism indicated generally by the numeral II8 shown diagrammaticallyin Fig. 13 and including a motor II9 arranged through suitable gearingto drive a shaft I2I having a cam I22 adaptedto actuate the movablemember I23 of a valve in the line I03 to openyand close the same. Theshaft I2I also carries cams I24, I25, I26 and I21 adapted to actuateswitches I28, I29, I3I and I32 in a manner which will be plain from Fig.13.

Directing attention now to Figs. 1 and 13, ,the

gear shaft 65 drives a spindle I33 within the valve casing 62, whichspindle carries a pinion I34 meshing with a gear I35 fixed to a spindlecarrying a pinion I36 within a contact chamber I31 on the valve. Thegear I36 drives a gear I38 which in turn carries a pair of wipers I39and MI, the gear I38 being thus driven at a ratio of one-to four withrespect to the stem 34. The wipers are positioned to engage contactsegments ,I42,-'I43, I44, I45, I46 and I41 (Fig. 13) at one orn iorepoints during the rotation of the gear I38, the contact segments beingcarried on an insulation disk I48.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 13, upon the depression of apush button 149 or other contact mechanism, circuit is establishedbetweenthe power lines I5I and I52 through the switch I49, a contactbutton I53, brush I39, the contact segment I43 and the motor 63. Th pushbutton I49 must be held in contact until the brush I 39 engages thecontact segment I42, whereupon the motor 63 will run until the brush I39leaves the segment I42 and engages a contact button I54,. During thisinterval the rotor of the valve will be moved from the service positionto its next succeeding position, in this instance, the back-washposition, as heretoforedescribed. Also 'during this movement of the gearI38 the brush I39'wi1l engage the segment I45 establishing a circuitthrough a synchronous electric motor-I55 so as to drive a timing disk I56, this circuit being established between the contact segments I42 andI45 by means of the brush I39. When the brush I39 strikes the contactpoint I 54, the motor 63 will stop. However, the synchronous motor 'I55will continue to rotate, current being supplied thereto through timerbrushes I51 and I58, which at this point in the rotation of the timingdisk I56 contact the periphery thereof. The disk I56 is of metal orother electrically conductive material supported on the motor shaft I59through an insulation bushing I6I (Fig. la). The synchronous motor I55will continue to run and drive the disk I56 through a completerevolution or until a cam I62 of insulation material engages a dependingfinger I63 on the brush I58, raising the brush out of contact with theperiphery of the disk I56 and thus breaking the circuit through thetiming motor. 1

The disk I56 carries a pair of annularly adjustable rings I64 and I65,the ring I64 carrying a laterally'projecting spring contact member I66,and the ring I65 carrying a similar contact I61, the rings andcontactmembers rotating with the disk and being adjustable thereon toregulatethe timing of the various operations,

as will presently appear. Contact'pins I68 and I69 are positioned sothat the pin I69 will be engaged by the contact member I66 during therotation of the disk, and so that the pin I68 will be engaged by themember I61 as shown in 14. When the brush I39 engages the contact pointI54, the valve will remain in the position corresponding thereto untilthe contact member I66 engages the pin I69, whereupon a circuit will beestablished through the motor 63 by wayof the segment I43, the brushI39, the pin I69, the contact member I66 and the brush I51, whereuponthe valve will be moved to the next succeeding position, the brush I39simultaneously moving until, it contacts a button I1I. Simultaneouslywith the engagement of the contact-- When the valve rotor reaches theposition represented by contact of the brush I39 with the button I1I,rotor ports 52 and 53 are broughtinto registration with stator ports 42and 40, respectively, and brine is injected into the softener tankthlOlEh the line I03, ports 42 and 52, injector tubes 55, channel 54,ports 53 and 40 and line IOI. This operation continues until the switchII3 of the brine control I04 is closed by action of the float I06,whereupon a circuit is established through the brine valve motor I I9 byway of thecontact I3I, the contact segments I41, the brush MI, and theswitch II3 starting the motor II9, which again runs one-halfrevolution,v thereby closing the brine valve I23. Water then flows fromthe valve chamber through the injector tubes 55, channel 54 and port 53to the softener tank for the purpose of washing 'or rinsing the brinefrom the softener tank. This wash step continues until the contactmember I61 of the timing disk I56 engages the pin I63, whereupon circuitis established through the motor 63 by way of the brush I39, the contactbutton I1I, the

pin' I68, contact member I61 and brush I51, causing themotor 63 to startand to run until the brush I39 again engages the contact button I53completing the valve cycle. During the latter movement of the valve, thecontact segment I44- is engaged by the brush I39, establishing a circuitthrough the brine valve motor II9 by way of the brush. I39, the segmentI44, the contact button 154, the switch I29, and the motor II9, therebystarting the motor I I9 and causing the same to rotate through a halfturn of the shaft I2l again opening the brine valve I23. The brine valvere- Directing attention now more particularly to the form shown in Figs.16 to 22, the valve body or stator, the valve plate or rotor, and thevalve cover are substantially the same as in the first form heretoforedescribed, with the exception of the means for sealing the ports. Inthis instance I have provided a relatively thick cylinder of rubber orsimilar resilient material I12 having a substantially plain end surface.The rotor 32 is provided with annular rings around the ports as shown atI13 having arcuate lower edges I14 arranged to press into and sealagainst the outer end of the cylindrical gaskets I12 and be depressedtherein, as shown in Fig. 16, under the pressure applied to the rotor bythe rotor stem.

A casing, designated generally by the numeral I15, is carried on the endof the cover 33 through brackets I16,-and a rotor stem I11 fixed to therotor 32 projects through a packing gland I18 on the cover 33 and intothe casing I15, the remote end I19 thereof of smaller diameterprojecting through and beyond the casing I15. The rotor stem I11 isexternally threaded for the reception of the internally threaded hub I8Iof a gear I82 carried in the casing I15 for rotation and forlongitudinal movement. A nut I83 is secured on. the remote end of thehub I8I and a coiled spring I84 is interposed between the casing and thenut I83. The gear I82 is adapted to be rotated from a pinion I85 drivenby reduction gearing from a. motor I86 carried on the cover 33 of thevalve. In the position shown in Fig. 16, the spring I84 is acting toexert pressure between the valve rotor and its seat formed by theresilient gaskets I12. However, upon rotation of the gear I82 in onedirection,.the sleeve III and gear I82 will move downward on the stemuntil the lower face of the gear engages the casing I1I, thus releasingthe pressure of the spring I84 from therotor. Upon continued rotation ofthe gear, the stem will move upward in the sleeve I8I, causing the rotorto be lifted free of its seat. The motor I86 is a reversing motor ofwell known form, and through reversal of the motor by proper changes inthe connections of shading coils I89, the gear I82 may be driven in theopposite direction, whereupon the rotor will be brought into contactwith its seat and, upon continued rotation the gear I82 and hub .I8Iwill move up along the stem so as to compress the spring I84 and thusapply preloaded pressure on the rotor constantly urging it against itsseats.

The pinion gear I85 is of sufficient length to permit of the describedaxial movement of the gear I82. Through this means the rotor is liftedfrom its seat, rotated or indexed to its next position, and returned toits seat and pre-loaded pressure applied thereto. Y

Reversal of the direction of the motor I86 is accomplished through adisk I81 attached to the upper end of the valve stem and positioned toengage an end 88 of a switch lever I89, thereby so as to break contactwith leads I92 and make contacts with leads I93, as will appear fromFig. 22. Operation of the motor I86 in a direction to seat the valverotor to apply pressure is terminated through action of a push memberI94 supported in the casing I15 for longitudinal movement and carrying afollower I95 urged against the face of the gear I82 by a spring I96.Thus as the gear I 82 raises in applying pressure between the rotor andits seat, the push member I94 moves upward into contact with an end I91of the lever I89, shifting the lever into the position shown in fulllines in Fig. 16 and tilting the mercury switch I9I to close contactsI92. The motor does not start, however, because the motor isde-energized by means presently to be described.

Means are provided within the casing I15 for indexing the rotor duringits movement from the unseated position to the seated position. That is,the valve rotor is first lifted from its seat, then unlocked, thenindexed or rotated to its next position, then locked against rotation,and then reseated. This means includes a gear I98 driven from the pinionI85, the gear being carried on a shaft which also carries a pinion I 99which in turn meshes with a gear 29I rotatably carried on a shaft 292.Also carried on the shaft 292 is the driving member 293 of a Genevamovement. The member 293 has a cam 294 on the surface thereof adjacentthe gear 29I, while the gear carries a spring pressed pin 295 adapted tobear against the surface of the member 293 so that upon rotation of thegear 29I in one direction the pin will ratchet by the cam 294, Whileupon rotation of the gear 29I in the opposite direction the pin willabut the cam 294 and cause rotation of the member 293.

The second member 296 of the Geneva movement is fixed to the valve stemI11 and cooperates with the driving member 293 to eifectuate indexing ofthe valve stem and rotor member through 99 upon each rotation of thedriving member 293. The driven member 296 has the conventional camsurfaces 291, 298, 299 and 2 arranged to cooperate with an arcuatesurface 2I2 on the driving member, and has slots 2I3, 2I4, 2| 5 and 2I6positioned at 99 angles adapted to cooperate with a pin 2" on thedriving member in the usual manner. A spring pressed pin 2I8 is carriedin the casing I15 and urged into a slot 2I9 of the driving member toprevent rotation thereof, as a, result of frictional drag between thegear 29I and the Geneva movement when the gear is rotated in theratcheting direction. The, pin 2I8 is forced out of its locking slot 2I9when pin 295 engages the flat surface of cam 294 It will thus be seenthat as the valve stem I11 is raised through rotation of the gear I82,the gear 29I will move in a direction to ratchet over the cam 294,whereas when the direction of the motor is reversed and the valve stemis moved downward, the pin 295 will engage the cam 294 causing the valvestem and plate to be indexed through during such downward movement.- Theparts are so arranged that indexing of the rotor occurs substantially atthe start of such downward movement. A disk 22I of insulation materialis positioned on the outer face of the casing I 15 surrounding the stemI11 and carries contact segments presently to be described for thepurpose of controlling operaon the disk. The carrier is attached to thestem I" by means of apin 225 which passes through a slot'226 inthe'valvestem to permit of longitudinal movement of the stem withoutdisturbing the contacts, but to cause rotation of the brush carrier. Theswitch mechanism comprising theelements just described is enclosed by ahousing 221.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the Geneva -movement serves tohold the valve rotor locked against rotation when it is in'its nor- Vmal operating position so'that there will be no scoring of the gasketsby relative rotary movement of rotor and stator. The Geneva movementmaintains this relationship until the valve rotor has been lifted clearof the stator whenindexing. The indexing is performed by the Genevamovement. operation the valve rotor is locked against rotation from itsnew position by the Geneva movement. V

In Figs. 20 to 22 I have shown means for con-' trolling the. valve formoving the same through the steps of regeneration andreturn to softeningas heretofore described. Initiation of the regeneration cycle is broughtabout through a meter 228 having a dial 229 provided with a hand 23Iadapted to rotate in response to operation of the meter and to engagecontacts 232, 233 and v 234. Contacts 233 and 234 are carried on plates235 and 236, the plates and contacts being adjustable circumferentiallyon the dial by engaging the screws thereof in any of a plurality ofscrew holes 231. Means are provided for setting the positionof the hand23I so that the valve will beset into operation upon passage of apredetermined amount of water through the meter. For this purpose thehand is connected to the meter through any of a plurality of mechanismssuch as a frictional means or ratchet mechanism, and is provided with apinion 238 adapted to engage a rack 239 such that upon movement of therack toward the left facing Figs. 19 to 22, the hand willbe moved in acounterclockwise direction; Two means are shown for moving the rack,that in Fig. 19 being a mechanical arrangement, and that in Fig. 20electric motor means. Referring'first to Fig. 19, the rack 239 issupported for longitudinal movement in a bearing 2 and has a roller 242at its end adapted for engagement by a cam 243 carried on the valve stemI", the arrangement of the parts being such that the cam actuates therack prior to the arrival of the valve rotor'in its first operativeposition corresponding to the back-wash on the softener. The contacts233 and 234 are positioned so that the hand 23I will be thrown in acounterclockwise direction beyond the position thereof.

Where it is impossible'or inconvenient to positionthe meter in suchproximity to the valve mechanism that the rack may be actuatedmechanically from the valve, I may employ the arrangement shown in Fig.20, wherein the numeral 244 designates a motor casing having a camactuated con-tact therein, as will presently appear, and driving a cam245 arranged to engage the roller 242 in. the manner heretoforedescribed. 1

Referring now more particularly to' Fig. 22, I have shown means forcontrolling the valve through the steps of regeneration in a softenerUpon completion of the indexing system such as shown in Figs. 9 to 12,inclusive.

When, during the operation of the softener, 'ihe -meter-driven hand 23Ireaches the button 23;,

circuit is closed through the field coils of the motor I86 by way of acontact ring 246 on the disk 22I, the brush 223, the contact segment 24!with which the brush is in engagement during the service position of thevalve, the contact 232,

and the hand 23I. When the motor has run sufficient to move the brush223 off the contact segment 241, it engages a contact segment 248,

establishing a new circuit through the motor by way of the segment 248and the ring 246. Upon energization of the motor I86, the valve rotorwill be raised and lowered, in the meantime being indexed 90 in aclockwise direction, the brush 223 simultaneously moving 90 around thedisk 22I. With the softener arrangement herein shown, the motor willnot, however, stop at this position and the rotor will immediately belifted and again indexed an additional 90. During the second movement ofthe brush 223, contact is made with a segment 249, thereby closing acircuit through a motor 25I enclosed in the casing 244 by way of thesegment 249, the brush 223 and the segment 248. Upon initial movement ofthe motor 25I, a switch 252. is closed by means of a cam 253 on a shaft254, which is in turn driven through suitable gearing from the motor25I. The switch 252 connects the motor 25I directly'to the power supplyand keeps the ation of the motor I86 until the valve has been seated, Iprovide a mercury switch 250 arranged to be tilted with the mercuryswitch I9I to supply current to the motor subsequent to the indexing ofthe valve, the switch being cut off in response to the stem I94 reachingits uppermost position to stop the motor I86 when the valve reaches itsseated position. The switch 25!) functions in this manner upon eachseating movement of the'valve, as will be apparent from Figs. 16 to 22.

At this point water from the source of supply flows through the statorport 31. and through the softener tank in a reverse directionaccomplishing a back-washing operation. This backwash is terminated uponthe passage of a predetermined amount of water by contact of the hand23I with the contact button 234 on the face of the meter which closesthe circuit through the valve motor I86 by way of the hand 23, thecontact 234, the segment 255, the brush 223, and the contact ring 246,whereupon the valve will be indexed an additional 90, at the close ofwhich movement the brush 223 will come to rest on a segment 256. Duringthis movement of the valve, the brush 223 will momentarily engage asegment 251 closing the circuit through the brine valve motor II9 by wayof the contact I29, the segment 2.51, the brush 223, and the segment248. As heretofore explained, upon initial movement of the'motor II9,the cam I24 closes the switch I28, causing the motor 9 to rotate theshaft I2I through and then stop. This half rotation of the shaft I2Icauses the brine valve I23 to .be opened so that when the valve rotorreaches its seated position, brine will be drawn from the brine tank 99through the line I03 in the manner heretofore described. As brine iswithdrawn from the tank 99, the float I06 is lowcred until the switch H3is closed, which action serves to terminate the injection of brine intothe softener tank by energizing the brine valve motor II9by way of theswitch I3I, a segment I59, the brush 224, a segment 258, and the switchH3. This serves to close the brine valve I23. Water then flows throughthe softener tank from the source of supply by'way of the valve chamber,tube 55, the channel 54 and port 53. This fiowofwater through the metercauses continued movement of the hand 23I until the hand engages thecontact button 233, whereupon the circuit through the motor I86 isclosed by way of the hand 23I, the contact button 233, the segment 256,the brush 223 and the ring 246, as a result of which the valve moves tothe service position and the brushes 223 and 224 move to a P int atwhich the brush 223 engages the contact segment 241 and the brush 224engages contact segments 26I and 262. During this movement of thebrushes, the brush 223' engagm a segment 263 energizing the brine valvemotor H9 by way of the contact I29,- the segment 263, the brush 223 andthe ring 246, opening the brine valve I23 in the manner heretoforedescribed to permit a flow of water through the pipe I03 into the brinetank 99 to replenish the brine supply. When the level of liquid in thebrine tank 99 raises the float I06 to a point closing the contact N4,the brine valve motor H9 is again energized by way of the contact I32,the segment 262, the brush 224, the segment 26I, and switch II4,whereupon the motor operates .to 40 close the brine valve I23,completing the cycle of operation. The meter hand 23I continues to bedriven under the action of the meter as water passes through thesoftener, and when the hand again makes contact with the button 232regen- 5 eration of .the softener will again be initiated.

A manually operated switch 264 permits initiation of the cycle at will.

In Figs. 23 to 25, inclusive, I have shown a modified form of motordriven valve adapted to be controlled by mechanism analogous to thatheretofore described to cause the valve to move through a regenerationor similar cycle. In this form the stator or body member 3| and therotor 32 are substantially identical with the form 55 shown in Fig. 16with the exception that the rotor member has annular rings 265surrounding each of the ports, which rings are adapted to seat intoconcave rings 266 formed in the resilient gaskets I12 to seal andprevent leakage between 00 the ports. The gaskets are supported andretained by the confining walls of the inner and outer annular memberssimilar to the members 44 and 45 in the form shown in Figure 1. In thisinstance a valve stem 261 passes through a stuff- 65 mg box 268 in thecover 33 and has anannular enlargement or collar 269 at its upper end.An indexing mechanism box 21I is supported on the cover by means ofspaced brackets 212 within which a Geneva movement iscarried comprising7 a driving member 213 and a driven member 214 substantially similar tothe Geneva members 203 and' 206 shown in Fig. 17, the driving memberhaving an arcuate surface 215 and a pin 216, and

the driven member having arcuate surfaces 211 :i and slots 218positioned at 90 an'gularity. The

driven member 214 is attached to the valve stem 2 61, whereby uponrotation of the member 213 through one revolution the valve stem will beindexed through 90.-

The box 211 carries a. housing 219 enclosing an electric motor 28Iarranged through a gear train 282 to drive a cam shaft 283 carrying aplurality of cams 264, 285, 286, and 281 adapted to actuate contacts288, etc. for the purpose of controlling the motor 28I. The shaft 283carries a bevel gear 289 engaging a bevel gear 29I on a shaft 292 towhich 'the member 213 of the Geneva movement is aflixed whereby uponrotation of the cam shaft 283 through a complete revolution, index ingof the valve rotor through 90 is caused to 15 occur;

A cam 293 is carried on the shaft 283 between spaced plates 294, theplates having slots 295 for reception of the shaft 283 and cam followers296 and 291 adapted to engage the cam 293 whereby 2 upon rotation of theshaft 283 the plates are caused to be reciprocated vertically facingFig. 24.

A sleeve 296 is aflixed to the lower end of the plates 294 for thereception of the upper end of the valve stem 261, and has an annularshoulder 25 299 adapted to abut the lower edge of the collar 269 uponupward movement of the sleeve and thereby lift the valve rotor from itsseat. A spring 301 is interposed between the end-of the sleeve 298 andthe end of the valve stem 261 and functions to apply resilientpre-loaded spring pressure to the upper end of the valve stem when thesleeve 296 occupies its lowermost position to apply loaded seatingpressure on the rotor when seated for sealing the ports. The drivingparts are so arranged that when the motor 28I is energized the cam shaft283 rotates, thereby lifting the rotor 32 from its seat. While the rotoris raised from its seat the members 213 and 214 of the Geneva movementfunction to index the rotor through 90 and the cam 293 then functions toreplace the rotor on its seat in the new position thereof. It will beseen that the motor 28I may be manually initiated'for starting of thevalve cycle, or suitable control mechanism connected with the contacts288 in conformity with the disclosures heretofore made may be providedfor automatically initiating successive periods of operation for themotor in order to carry through a predetermined regeneration cycle.

The foregoing description is given for the purpose of disclosing theinvention in such manner as to permit the same to be practiced byothers, and the specific forms disclose preferred manners for practicingthe invention. I am aware that numerous alterations may be made thereinwithin the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limitedexcept as required by the prior art and the scope of the appendedclaims, in whichi I claim:' t,

1. In amotor operated valve, having two multiple port members, withresilient gasket means between them, one being a movable member, amotor, and means driven by the motor and acting repeatedly in the samedirection upon the movable member for positively driving said movablemember through lifting, turning and reseating movements and thereafterapplying a yieldable pressure thereon to hold it seated.

2. In a motorv operated valve, comprising two multiple port plate typemembers, one being a movable member adapted to be moved in one directionto different positions in relation to the other member to obtaindifferent flows through certain ports, a motor, and means comprisingpositive driving connections operating between the motor and the movablemember and driven by the motor for gradually andwith a controllingmotion unseating, turning, reseating the said movable member andapplying yieldable pressure thereon after reseating and having positivemeans for preventing the'movable member from any relative lateralmoyenient when being unseated, reseated and when seated.

3. In a motor operated valve, having two multipleport members withresilient gasket means between them, one of the members being adaptedtobe lifted, turned and reseated, means for ap-" .plying a yie'ldablepressure holding said member seated, means for causing first the removalof said yieldable pressure from said member, and

thereafter moving said movable member through lifting, turning, andreseating movements, and then applying the yieldable pressure to thesaid movable member, and a motor for rendering said first mentionedmeans inoperative and later again rendering the same operative. 4. In amotor operated valve, having two multiple port members with resilientgasket means between them, one of the multiple port members beingmovable and having a threaded stem shaft, a gear threadedly engaged onsaid threaded stem shaft, motor means for operating the said gear in onedirection for lifting the movable member and in the opposite directionfor reseating the movable member and means driven by the motor forturning said movable member during the lifting and reseating movementsthereof to bring different ports together. v

5. A motor operated valve comprising in com- .bination a multi-portedbody member, a ported rotor member rotatable successively in the sameto' the body member, a stem extending from the rotor for unseating,turning, and reseating the same, spring means acting on the stem toexert pressure on the rotor to hold the valve seated, and means formoving the valve between successive seated positions including a motor,means between the motor and the stem operative to release said springpressure, positively drive the rotor to unseated position andsubsequently positively drive the rotor to reseated position andthereafter apply the spring pressure thereto, and means for indexing therotor while the rotor is unseated. I 6. A motor operated valvecomprising in combination a multi-ported body member, a ported platetype rotor rotatable to different operative positions relative to thebody member, a stem extending from the rotor for unseating, turning andreseating the same, a gear concentric with said stem, a motor forrotating said gear, cam means operative in succession between the gearand said stem for successivelyunseating said rotor, indexing the rotorto its next position and reseating the same, and spring means on saidgear for exerting pressure on the stem solely in the seated positionthereof to hold the rotor seated.

'7. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a 'ported rotor rotatable to diiierent operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a gear concentric with saidstem, a motor for rotating said gear, a lever operative between saidgear and said stem, and means including stationary and movable camsoperative on said lever the movable cams bei g carried on said gear tooperate on said lever successively in response to rotation of said gearfor moving the stem longitudinallyin unseating and reseating movementsand rotating the stem while rotor rotatable to different operativepositions relative to the body member, a stem extendin from therotor-forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a gear concentricwith said stem, a motor for rotating said gear, stationary cam meansextending annularly of said stem, levers on the stem, and cam means onsaid gear in operative relation with the levers andvsaid stationary camsarranged in response to rotation of the gear to successively move thestem longitudinally in unseating movement, index said stem, move thestem longitudinally in seating movement and apply a seating pressurethereto.

9. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to difierent operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a gear concentric with saidstem and having screw thread engagement therewith, a reversible motorfor rotating said gear in either direction to move said stemlongitudinally therethrough in unseating and seating movements, meansfor reversing the direction of said motor when the rotor reaches apredetermined unseatedposition, and means be-' tween the motor and thestem for indexing the latter to its next position while the rotor isunseated.

10. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to diiferent operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and resea-ting the same, a gear concentric with saidstem and having screw thread engagement therewith, spring means actingon said gear for exerting pressure on the stem to hold the rotor seated,a reversible motor for rotating said gear in either direction to movethe same on said stem to relieve and apply said spring pressure, meansfor limiting the movement of said gear longitudinally of the stem tomove said stem longitudinally therethrough in unseating and seatingmovements, means for reversing the direction of said motor when therotor reaches the unseated position, and a Geneva movement positionedbetween the motor and the stem for indexing the latter to the nextsucceeding position while the rotor is unseated.

11. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to difierent operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a gear concentric with saidmotor when the rotor reaches a predetermined unseated position, springmeans acting on said dexing the latter to the succeeding angularposition while the rotor is unseated.

means for limiting the movement of said gear longitudinally of the stemto move said stem longitudinally therethrough in unseating and seatingmovements, means for reversing the direction of said motor when therotor reaches the unseated position, and a Geneva movement positionedbetween the motor and the stem for indexing the latter to the succeedingposition while the rotor is unseated, switch means for controlling thedirection of said motor, means for actuating said switch in response tomovement of the rotor to the said unseated position to reverse thedirection of the motor and reseat the rotor, means for actuating saidswitch in response to movement of said gear in applying seating pressureto the rotor to reverse the direction of said motor, and switch meansfor terminating the operation of the motor when the rotor is reseated.

13. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to different operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a motor, cam means driven bythe motor and engaging said stem for unseating and seating said rotor,and a Geneva movement driven by said motor for indexing said rotor tothe next succeeding position of the rotor while the rotor is unseated.

14. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to different operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a motor, a cam driven by saidmotor, means intermediate said cam and said stem for moving the stem tounseat the rotor during a part of the rotation ofsaid cam and to movethe stem to reseat the rotor during a subsequent part of said rotation,and a Geneva movement driven by said motor in timed relation to said camto index said rotor to the next succeeding position of the rotor whilethe rotor is unseated.

15. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to different operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning and reseating the same, a motor, a cam driven by saidmotor, sleeve means receiving said stem, spring means acting between thesleeve and the end of 1 the stem for exerting a pressure against thestem to seat the rotor, means on the sleeve and the stem adapted formutual engagement upon movement of the sleeve to relieve the pressure onsaid stem, and a cam follower on said sleeve for moving the latter torelieve the pressure on said stem and subsequently move said stem tounseat said rotor during a part of the rotation of said cam and to movethe sleeve to seat said rotor and subsequentlyapplypressure to said stemduring a later part of said rotation, and gear means driven by saidmotor in timed relation to said cam to index said stem to the nextposition while the rotor is unseated.

16. In a motor operated valve, two multiple port plate .type valvemembers with a resilient gasket means therebetween, a stem attached toone of said members, a motor, and means driven by the motor includingspring means acting on said stem for applying a resilient pressure tosaid member, and cam means operative 'in succession on said stem forfirst removing the pressure of said spring means from said stem, thenacting On said stem to positively lift, turn and reseat said movablemember, and thereafter reapply said spring pressure to said stem."

17. A motor operated valve comprising in combination a stationarymultiple port plate type body member, a ported plate type rotorrotatable to different operative positions relative to the body member,a cover on the stationary member enclosing the rotor, a stem projectingfrom the rotor through said cover, a sleeve fixed to said cover andenclosing said stem, one end of said sleeve having a plurality of camsurfaces concentric with said stem, a gear mounted for rotation on saidsleeve, said gear having annular cam surfaces and a pressure applyingspring member, a motor for rotating said gear, a lever pivotallydisposed On said stem having ends in cooperative relation with the camsurfaces on said sleeve and on said gear for removing and applyingpressure of said spring means to said stem upon rotation of said gearand for rotating said stem to rotate the rotor, and a lever attached tosaid stem shaped to be actuated by the cam means of said gear to movesaid stem and rotor in unseating and seating movements.

18. In a motor-operated valve, having two multiple port members withresilient gasket means between them, means for moving one of saidmembers through lifting, turning, and reseating movements, comprisingoperating means attached to said member for imparting saidmovementsthereto, spring means for applying a yieldable pressure to saidoperating means holding said member seated, and motor-driven means forrendering said spacing means inoperative to remove said yieldablepressure, moving said operating means through lifting, turning, andreseating movements, and thereafter rendering said spring'meansoperative to re-apply said seatirux pressure to said member.

19. In a motor-operated valve, having two multiple port plate typemembers with resilient gasket means between them, one of said multipleport members being movable, operating means attached to said movablemember for lifting, turning, and reseating said member, a motor, gearmeans between said operating means and said motor for lifting, turning,and reseating said, movable member to bring different ports together,and spring means on said gear for applying pressure to said operatingmeans positioned to be released by movement of said gear means prior tounseating of said member and mpressed subsequent to reseating thereof Ithereto when seated.

20. In a motor-operated vaiye having two multiple port members andresilient gasket means between them, one of said members being movable,operating means attached to said movable member, motor-operated cammeans acting on said operating means for successively lifting saidmember and reseating the same, a spring for applying pressure throughsaid operating means ply pressure.

to hold said member seated, positioned to be released by movement ofsaid cam means prior to unseating of said member and compressedsubsequent to reseating thereof, and a mot driven Geneva movementconnected to said operating means to release, index and lock said memberin successive rotary positions when lifted.

21. A motor-operated valve comprising a. multiported body member, aported plate type rotor member rotatable successively in the samedirection to diflerent operative positions relative to the body member,and means for driving the rotor member between successive positionscomprising a motor, means operated by the motor for moving the rotorwith respect to the body member to unseat and seat the same includingresilient means for applying pressure to the rotor releasable inresponse to initial movement of said motor-operated.means andcompressible in re- 20 sponse to final movement thereof, means operatedby the motor for rotating the rotor to the next succeeding positionwhile the rotor is unseated, and means for terminating the operation ofthe motor in response to compressive movement of said motor-drivenmeans.

22. A motor-operated valve comprising in combination a multi-ported bodymember, a ported rotor rotatable to difierent operative positionsrelative to the body member, a stem extending from the rotor forunseating, turning, and reseating the same, a gear concentric with saidstem, 2. motor for rotating said gear, and means including a leveroperative between the gear and said stem, spring means positioned on thegear to engage said lever at a predetermined position, and a pluralityof cams on said gear operable in succession for unseating said'rotor,indexing the rotor to its next position, reseating the same, andsubsequently applying seating pressure thereto.

1 LEE G. DANIELS.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIQN. Patent No. 2,255,287. March 1 19in.

LEE G. DANIELS.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 7,sec- 0nd column, lines 69 to 75 inclusive, claim 11, for the words "therotor seated, and a Geneva movement positioned between the motor and thestem for ingear for exerting pressure on the stem to hold motor when therotor reaches a predetermined unseated position, spring means acting onsaid" read -motor when the rotor reaches a predetermined unseatedposition, spring means acting on said gear for exerting pressure on thes tem to hold the rotor seated, and a Geneva movement positioned betweenthe motor and the stem for inpage 8, second column, line 1.1.7, claim18, for .spacing" read -spring--; and that the said Letters Patentshould be read with this correction therein that the same may. conformto the record of the case in the Patent Office..

Signed and sealed this 6th day of May, A. D. 19141.

Henry Van Arsdale, Acting Commissioner of Patents.

